New w/dilemma

January 18, 2001

Hi! As you can see from my signature, my name is Tracey and I am mom to one four-year old boy with a baby on the way. I am not yet vegetarian but I am wanting to make the switch. My reasons are mainly for health reasons and that I am just not a big meat fan. I would love to get this baby off to a better start than her brother got. (We don't know the gender, I use female -- wishful thinking!) I don't mind my son continuing to consume some meat but I would like him to consume more vegetarian choices and that's where I need the help! He is definitely a choosy fellow. Has anyone else not had veg kids from the get-go and persuaded one this old to try new things? And if so - HOW?? LOL He does have some vegetarian things he will eat but we need a wider variety. Any advice will be most appreciated!

~Tracey

~mom to Brandon 08/25/96

~due with #2 07/26/01

January 21, 2001

Tracey wrote:

"...I don't mind my son continuing to consume some meat but I would like him to consume more vegetarian choices and that's where I need the help! He is definitely a choosy fellow...."

Tracey,

I would play around with what you know your son already likes and build on that.

For example, if he likes macaroni and cheese, try making a nutritional yeast "cheezey" substitute. (I have several recipes for this.) If he likes spinach, let him try a spinach and tofu pie. If he likes sub sandwiches, try making one with more veggies and maybe some marinated, fried tofu or gluten, some falafel or one of the meat analog products that are out there.

Also, your son may get a kick out of helping prepare meals, if he doesn't already, and I have found with kids that I taught, that they'll try more variety if they are the ones preparing the food.

Good luck!

--Tonya

PS - If you (or anyone on the list) are (is) looking for a recipe in particular, I have many, many vegan versions of old, meaty, cheesy & eggy favorites. Just let me know.